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Friday, October 3, 2008

Are People Really "Born Gay"?

By Caleb H. Price

Can someone really be "born gay"? Is there a "gay gene"? Does biology equal destiny?

Clearly, the controversy over this issue is huge in our culture. While pro-gay activists and their allies want us to believe people are “born gay” and that sexual orientation is an unchangeable characteristic like race or eye color, a closer examination of the scientific evidence reveals that the “nature vs. nurture” debate over homosexuality is far from settled.

At best, the evidence for a genetic and/or biological basis to homosexual orientation is inconclusive. In fact, since the early 1990s, numerous studies attempting to establish a genetic cause for homosexuality have not proven to be valid or repeatable – two important requirements for study results to become accepted as fact in the scientific community.

Because of this, the current thinking in the scientific community is that homosexuality is likely caused by a complex interaction of psychosocial, environmental and possible biological factors. And the two leading national psychiatric and psychological professional groups agree that, so far, there are no conclusive studies supporting any specific biological or genetic cause for homosexuality.[1]

In sum, there is no scientific or DNA test to tell us if a person is homosexual, bisexual or even heterosexual for that matter. And since nobody is “born gay,” it’s clear that sexual orientation is, at its core, a matter of how one defines oneself – not a matter of biology or genes.

But what about the studies I’ve heard about in the media that say people are born gay? While the media’s headlines and reporting of these studies have given the impression that science is closing in on a “gay gene,” it’s important to note that each study suffers from significant problems and limitations. And what the researchers themselves have said about their own work is important. Specifically, you should know that their comments have never been fully reported in the press.

Some examples:

1. From the 1991 Hypothalamus (Brain) Study, Simon LeVay, who self-identifies as gay, said: “It’s important to stress what I didn’t find. I did not prove that homosexuality is genetic, or find a genetic cause for being gay. I didn’t show that gay men are born that way, the most common mistake people make in interpreting my work. Nor did I locate a gay center in the brain.”

2. And from the 1991 Twins Study, Richard Pillard – also a gay man – admits: "Although male and female homosexuality appear to be at least somewhat heritable, environment must also be of considerable importance in their origins."

3. And from the 1993 X Chromosome Study, Dean Hamer – also a gay man – said: “…environmental factors play a role. There is not a single master gene that makes people gay…I don’t think we will ever be able to predict who will be gay.”

4. And from the 2005 Fruit Fly Study, Barry Dickson, the lead researcher, admitted that the understanding of how innate behaviors are genetically determined is “rudimentary at best.” He also admitted that the male-male courtship behaviors they observed probably involved “environmental and social stimuli” and that the female-female courtship behavior was abnormal – missing some key steps.

5. And what about the 2005 male and 2006 female pheromone studies from Sweden that gay activists claimed were more evidence of a biological basis to homosexuality? (Pheromones are chemicals that can be smelled and are known to influence animal behavior. However, their role in humans is unknown.) Here, it is significant that Ivanka Savic, the lead researcher, said that the 2005 study had nothing to do with proving homosexuality to be biological. And regarding the 2006 study, she said “it is very important to make clear that the study has no implications for possible dynamics in sexual orientation.”

6. More recently, Dr. Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, summed up the research on homosexuality saying that “sexual orientation is genetically influenced but not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations" (italics added). As a comparison, Collins said that the potential genetic component for homosexuality is much less than the genetic contribution that has been found for common personality traits such as general cognitive ability, extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness, aggression and traditionalism. [7]

Clearly, the case for a “gay gene” has not been made.

So, do all gay people believe that sexual orientation is “fixed” and unchangeable?

Not by a long shot. While it’s true that many homosexuals and their allies believe that people are “born gay” and cannot change, there exists a surprising – and not insignificant – minority of gays and lesbians who recognize that sexual orientation is, in fact, flexible. For example, Kate Kendell, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, argued in the gay magazine Frontiers that sexual orientation is not fixed. And lesbian columnist and psychotherapist Jackie Black has said that sexuality is not static. Further, lesbian author Camille Paglia argues that homosexuality is not normal and that it is an adaptation, not an inborn trait.

Most recently, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force spokesperson Roberta Sklar admitted in an ABC news story that today’s young lesbians and bisexuals have a “more flexible view” about sexuality and see it as “a fluid thing.”[8]

Thus, while no one knows for sure what causes a homosexual identity to develop, recent research confirms that permanent change is, indeed, possible. Pro-gay ally Dr. Robert Spitzer of Columbia University is now convinced that many homosexuals have successfully changed their sexual orientation. In 2001, he published results from a study of 200 gay men and lesbians who had sought “re-orientation” therapy. Spitzer found that most have been able to achieve fulfilling heterosexual relationships. While his research shows that such change often involves a long and difficult journey, it is nevertheless possible for highly motivated individuals. [9]

Even more recently in 2007, a landmark study was published by Drs. Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse which concluded that it is possible for homosexuals to change their physical attractions and that such efforts to bring about change do not appear to be psychologically harmful. Entitled Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation, this groundbreaking research has been hailed by experts from both sides of the debate as being the most methodologically rigorous to date. [10]

And as more evidence of the fact that people can and do change their sexual orientation, Exodus International, a group of more than 150 Protestant Christian ministries in the United States and around the world, represents literally tens of thousands of people who have made the choice to walk out of their homosexual and bisexual identities. Similar organizations exist for Roman Catholics (Courage), Mormons (Evergreen), Jews (JONAH) and Muslims (StraightWay). [11]

Even in the secular cultural arena we see evidence of well-known people who have clearly changed their sexual orientation. Examples of formerly gay-identified celebrities who reportedly have become involved in relationships with people of the opposite gender include actors Anne Heche and Julie Cypher. Apparently, the reality that people can change their sexual identity isn’t just a right-wing Christian thing.

Clearly, pro-homosexual advocates and their allies aren’t dealing with all the evidence in their insistence that people are “born gay” and cannot change.

5 comments:

Only religious nuts or the seriously un-informed aka stupid still holds on to the belief that homosexuality is a choice a person makes at some time in her/his life.

Homosexuality may well be purely a matter of upbringing, but that seems more unlikely by the minute.

A combination of "milleu and dna" is a possibility that is at the moment competing with the "only dna" factor.

There is a reason that the "choice" view is still so popular among the religious nuts and the stupid. It means that their, mostly religiously based, view that there is a simple and perfect creation that only encompasses their narrow perspective of sexuality. Anything or anybody who is different in any way is viewed as abbhorrent and must be destroyed or turned. Simple people want simple solutions and the "choice" view is certainly that.

Can we disagree on issues without resulting to throwing insults at one another...PLEASE????

Homosexuality is one of the most difficult issues individuals, families and churches face today. Popular culture tells us it’s simply an alternative way to live. Mainstream media promotes it as genetic and unchangeable. And the pro-gay movement works overtime to politicize the education system, alter biblical truth regarding sexual behavior, and redefine the meaning of marriage and family.

Some Christians want to know how to stand faithfully in their biblical beliefs about human sexuality while also reaching out lovingly to those directly affected by homosexuality. Other Christians want to know how to complement their bold commitment to biblical righteousness with compassion and kindness. For everyone the answer is balance — between biblical truth and Jesus Christ’s grace.

Where You Go I Go – Jesus Culture

Choruswhere you go I gowhat you say I say, Godwhere you pray I praywhere you pray I pray(repeat)

VerseJesus only didwhat he saw you dohe would only saywhat he heard you speak

he would only movewhen he felt you leadfollowing your heartfollowing your spirit

how could I expectto walk without youwhen every move that Jesus madewas in surrender

I would not beginto live without youfor you alone are worthyand you are always good

you are always goodyeah...

you are always goodalways goodalways goodyeah, yeah yeah

Chorus

Bridgethough the world sees and soon forgetswe will not forget who you are and what you've done for us,what you've done for us

Chorus

Bridge

Bridge 2though the world sees and soon forgetswe will not forget, who you are,who you are, who you are, yeahwho you are, oh you are my god, you are my godyou are my god, you are my god, you are my godwoah, yeah..

Chorus

Where You Go I Go – Jesus Culture

Choruswhere you go I gowhat you say I say, Godwhere you pray I praywhere you pray I pray(repeat)

VerseJesus only didwhat he saw you dohe would only saywhat he heard you speak

he would only movewhen he felt you leadfollowing your heartfollowing your spirit

how could I expectto walk without youwhen every move that Jesus madewas in surrender

I would not beginto live without youfor you alone are worthyand you are always good

you are always goodyeah...

you are always goodalways goodalways goodyeah, yeah yeah

Chorus

Bridgethough the world sees and soon forgetswe will not forget who you are and what you've done for us,what you've done for us

Chorus

Bridge

Bridge 2though the world sees and soon forgetswe will not forget, who you are,who you are, who you are, yeahwho you are, oh you are my god, you are my godyou are my god, you are my god, you are my godwoah, yeah..

Followers

Playlist

Where you go I go - Jesus Culture

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There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp

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Israel And New Breed-Alpha and Omega

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Lose My Soul - Toby Mac

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Man I wanna tell ya'll something, Man.Man I'm not gonna let these material thing's, get in my way, ya'll.I'm trying to get somewhere.I'm trying to get somewhere, Thats real and pure and true and eternal.

Father God, I am clay in your hands,Help me to stay that way through all life's demands,'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me,And every little thing I make up my mind to be,Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix,And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit,And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above,The road that is wide and filled with self love,Everything that I see draws me,Though it's only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes- a low blow to purpose.And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus.

The paparazzi flashes, and that they think that it's you,But they don't know that who you are is not what you do,True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts,Yo before we part from the start,Where's your heart?You a pimp, hustler?Tell me what's your title,America has no more stars, now we call them idols,You sit idle, While we teach prosperity,The first thing to prosper should be inside of me.We're free...Not because of 22's on the range,But Christ came in range, we said yes now we changed,Not the same, even though I made a fall,Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul.(YEP!)

How do I sense the tide that's rising?De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity,How do I sense the tide that's rising?It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity,How do I sense the tide that's rising?De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity.

(Lord what we gon do,We're relying on you, all eyes are on you Lord, all eyes are on you, all eyes are on you Jesus.)

Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world,That fight for our love, and our passion,As our eyes are open wide and on you. Grant us the privilege of your world view,And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down.

(Hallelujah, Don't wanna lose our soul,No, Don't wanna lose my soul.)

Hey excuse me, I'm looking or the after party,Toby, Haha, yeah, last door on the left, you'll hear it.Thanks,No problem.

Made To Love - Toby Mac

The dream is fading now I am staring at the doorI know it’s over cause my feet have hit the cold floorCheck my reflection, I ain’t feeling what I seeIt’s no mystery

What ever happened to a passion I could live for?What became of the flame that made me feel more?And when did I forget…

That I was made to love YouI was made to find YouI was made just for YouMade to adore YouI was made to love and be loved by YouYou were here before meYou were waiting on meAnd You said You’d keep me never would You leave meI was made to loveAnd be loved by You

The dreams alive with my eyes open wideBack in the ring You got me swingin’ for the grand prizeI feel the haters spittin’ vapors on my dreamsBut I still believe…

Give Me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath

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Looked down from a broken skyTraced out by the city lightsMy world from a mile highBest seat in the house tonightTouched down on the cold black tileHold on for the sudden stopBreathe in the familiar shockOf confusion and chaosAll those people going somewhere?Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one secondGive me your eyes so I can seeEverything that I keep missingGive me your love for humanityGive me your arms for the broken heartedThe ones that are far beyond my reachGive me your heart for the once forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

yeahyeahyeahyeah

Step out on a busy streetSee a girl and our eyes meetDoes her best to smile at meTo hide what’s underneathThere’s a man just to her rightBlack suit and a bright red tieToo ashamed to tell his wifeHe’s out of workHe’s buying timeAll those people going somewhere?Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one secondGive me your eyes so I can seeEverything that I keep missingGive me your love for humanityGive me your arms for the broken heartedThe ones that are far beyond my reachGive me your heart for the once forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

yeahyeahyeahyeah

I’ve been there a million timesA couple of million eyesJust move and pass me byI swear I never thought that I was wrongWell I want a second glanceSo give me a second chanceTo see the way you see the people all alone

Give me your eyes for just one secondGive me your eyes so I can seeEverything that I keep missingGive me your love for humanityGive me your arms for the broken heartedThe ones that are far beyond my reachGive me your heart for the once forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

yeahyeahyeahyeah

Testify to Love - Avalon

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Blessed Be Thy Name: Tree63

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One Thing: Paul Coleman

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I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman

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Song of Hope: Robbie Seay Band

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God With Us - MercyMe

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Who are weThat You would be mindful of usWhat do You seeThat’s worth looking our way

We are freeIn ways that we never should beSweet releaseFrom the grip of these chains

Like hinges straining from the weightMy heart no longer can keep from singingAll that is within me criesFor You alone be glorifiedEmmanuel .. God with us

My heart sings a brand new songThe debt is paid these chains are goneEmmanuel .. God with us

Like hinges straining from the weightMy heart no longer can keep from singing

All that is within me criesFor You alone be glorifiedEmmanuel .. God with us

My heart sings a brand new songThe debt is paid these chains are goneEmmanuel .. God with us

Such a tiny offering compared to CalvaryNevertheless we lay it at Your feetSuch a tiny offering compared to CalvaryNevertheless we lay it at Your feet

All that is within me criesFor You alone be glorifiedEmmanuel .. God with us

My heart sings a brand new songThe debt is paid these chains are goneEmmanuel .. God with us

Big Enough - Ayiesha Woods

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You turned water into wine - how extraordinaryGave sight to the blind - and still I carryMy own load when you told meTo take your yoke ‘cause yours is easy

And even though my issues seem trivialYou alone are never to imperialIts just the way that you love meIts enough to convince me

And I don't wanna box you inYou've been doing big things since the world beganSometimes I just don't wanna believeThat you're big enough - but you're big enough yeah!

I don't wanna box you in You've been doing big things since the world beganSometimes I just don't understand that you're big enoughBut you're big enough Jesus!

You turned darkness into light - keep my lamp burningAnd you are my everythingThere's no denying, your love is so amazingAnd even though my problems seem typicalNothing for you is ever too difficultYou never have reservations - love without limitations

And I don't wanna box you inYou've been doing big things since the world beganSometimes I just don't wanna believeThat you're big enough - but you're big enough yeah!

And I don't wanna box you inYou've been doing big things since the world beganSometimes I just don't understandThat you're big enough - but you're big enough

Oh, no matter how I try to get around it - I'm remindedWherever I go I'm totally surroundedIt's all about you - I can never doubt youEven if I wanted to…

And I don't wanna box you in You've been doing big things since the world beganSometimes I just don't wanna believeThat you're big enough - but you're big enough yeah!

And I don't wanna box you inYou've been doing big things since the world beganSometimes I just don't understandThat you're big enough - but you're big enough

That you're big enoughThat you're big enough

That you're big enoughThat you're big enough yeah!

Empty Me - Chris Sligh

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I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns brightTo see how it gets in the blood.And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild rideAnd found a little is not quite enough.I know how I can stray And how fast my heart could change.

Empty me of the selfishness insideEvery vain ambition and the poison of my prideAnd any foolish thing my heart holds toLord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.

I've had just enough of the quick buys of the best liesTo know how prodigals can be drawn away.I know how I can strayAnd how fast my heart could change.

Empty me of the selfishness insideEvery vain ambition and the poison of my prideAnd any foolish thing my heart holds to Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.

Cause everything is a lesser thingCompared to you, compared to you.Cause everything is a lesser thingCompared to you. So, I surrender all!

Empty me of the selfishness insideEvery vain ambition and the poison of my prideEmpty me of the selfishness insideEvery vain ambition and the poison of my pride And any foolish thing my heart holds toLord empty me of me so I can be Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.Oh, filled with you. Empty me.

Martin Luther King "I Have A Dream"

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President-Elect Barack Obama November 4th

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Barack Obama Acceptance Speech

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Yes We Can

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American Prayer - Dave Stewart

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Hiding Place - Selah

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Something Beautiful - Newsboys

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I wanna start it overI wanna start againI want a new beginningOne without an endI feel it insideCalling out to me

It's a voice that whispers my nameIt's a kiss without any shameSomething beautiful(Yeah Yeah)Like a song that stirs in my headSinging love will take us whereSomethings beautiful

I've heard it in the silenceSeen it on a faceI've felt it in a long hourLike a sweet embraceI know this is trueIt's calling out to me

It's the child on her wedding dayIt's the daddy that gives her awaySomething beautifulWhen we laugh so hard we cryOh the love between you and ISomething beautiful

Newsboys

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What If - Nicole Nordeman

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What if you’re right?And he was just another nice guyWhat if you’re right?What if it’s true?They say the cross will only make a fool of youAnd what if it’s true?

What if he takes his palace in historyWith all the prophets and the kingsWho taught us love and came in peaceBut then the story endsWhat then?

But what if you’re wrong?What if there’s more?What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?What if you jump?And just close your eyes?What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?What if He’s more than enough?What if it’s love?

What if you dig, What if you digWay down deeper than your simple-minded friendsWhat if you dig?What if you findA thousand more unanswered questions insideThat’s all you find

What if you pick apart the logicAnd begin to poke the holesWhat if the crown of thorns is no moreThen folklore that must be told and retold

You’ve been running as fast as you canYou’ve been looking for a place you can land so longBut what if you’re wrong?

What if you jump?And just close your eyes?What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?What if He’s more than enough?What if it’s love?

Word of God Speak - Mercy Me

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I'm finding myself at a loss for wordsAnd the funny thing is it's okayThe last thing I need is to be heardBut to hear what You would say

Word of God speakWould You pour down like rainWashing my eyes to seeYour majestyTo be still and knowThat You're in this placePlease let me stay and restIn Your holinessWord of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of YouBeyond the music, beyond the noiseAll that I need is to be with YouAnd in the quiet hear Your voice

Word of God speakWould You pour down like rainWashing my eyes to seeYour majestyTo be still and knowThat You're in this placePlease let me stay and restIn Your holinessWord of God speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for wordsAnd the funny thing is it's okay

Nicol Sponberg - "Resurrection"

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I'm at a loss for words, there's nothing to sayI sit in silence wondering what led me to this placeHow did my heart become so lifeless and coldWhere did the passion go?

When all my efforts seem like chasing windI've used up all my strength and there's nothing left to giveI've lost the feeling and I'm numb to the coreI can't fake it anymore.

Here I am at the end I'm in need of resurrectionOnly You can take this empty shell and raise it from the deadWhat I've lost to the world what seems far beyond redemptionYou can take the pieces in Your hand and make me whole again, again

You speak and all creation falls to its kneesYou raise Your hand and calm the waves of the raging seaYou have a way of turning winter to springMake something beautiful out of all this suffering

Here I am once again I'm in need of resurrectionOnly You can take this empty shell and raise it from the deadWhat I've lost to the world what seems far beyond redemptionYou can take the pieces in Your hand and make me whole again, again

You have a way of turning winter to springMake something beautiful out of all this suffering

Nicole Mullen - Redeemer

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Casting crowns - Stained Glass Masquerade

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We are Africans, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and we live our lives to please Him, to do His will, and to fill the earth with His goodness.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Is there anyone that failsIs there anyone that fallsAm I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Cause when I take a look aroundEverybody seems so strongI know they’ll soon discoverThat I don’t belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okayIf I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it tooSo with a painted grin, I play the part againSo everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic peopleUnder shiny plastic steeplesWith walls around our weaknessAnd smiles to hide our painBut if the invitation’s openTo every heart that has been brokenMaybe then we close the curtainOn our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who’s been thereAre there any hands to raiseAm I the only one who’s tradedIn the altar for a stage

The performance is convincingAnd we know every line by heartOnly when no one is watchingCan we really fall apart

But would it set me freeIf I dared to let you seeThe truth behind the personThat you imagine me to be

Would your arms be openOr would you walk awayWould the love of JesusBe enough to make you stay

Well if the invitation’s openTo every heart that has been brokenMaybe then we close the curtainOn our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone that failsIs there anyone that fallsAm I the only one in church today feelin’ so small